Wine Advocate 92 points. A value-priced Rhône blend that usually contains some Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, the 2017 Pessimist offers up rich aromas of dark fruit, grilled meat, licorice and black olive. It’s full-bodied, rich and spicy, with good balance and an intense, flavorful finish.
Winemaker Notes: The 2017 Pessimist has a powerful and intensely aromatic nose that ascends to greet you with blueberry, boysenberry and black plum fragrance. Evolving layers reveal elderberry and truffle, with cocoa and cardamom spice accents, further augmented by hints of eucalyptus, leather, cherry pipe tobacco and grilled meats. The finish is smooth and leisurely. Essences of pure dark berry fruit seemingly refuse to abate with a gorgeous fitting finale.
Blend: Petite Sirah 64%, Syrah 23%, 10% Zinfandel, 2% Lagrein, and 1% Tannat.